🛡️ Lake County Hazing Victims: You Are Not Alone
Lake County, Illinois families — if your child has been hazed, abused, or hospitalized by a fraternity, sorority, or student organization, we can help.
At Attorney 911, we are currently fighting a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. We know how to hold fraternities, universities, and national organizations accountable. And we will bring that same aggressive representation to Lake County families.
🚨 This Happens in Lake County Too
The same fraternities that waterboarded our client in Houston have chapters at universities near Lake County. The same negligence that hospitalized our client exists at Lake County institutions. The same culture of abuse, intimidation, and institutional cover-up is happening right here in our community.
Lake County parents: Your child could be next.
🔥 What Hazing Really Looks Like — The Lake County Reality
Our client in Houston was subjected to:
- Waterboarding with a garden hose — simulated drowning, a form of torture
- Forced to do 500 squats and 100 pushups — until his muscles broke down and he couldn’t stand
- Struck with wooden paddles — physical abuse with weapons
- Forced to eat until vomiting — then made to keep running through his own vomit
- Hog-tied face-down on a table — another pledge, not even our client, was restrained for over an hour
- Carrying sexual objects at all times — humiliation and degradation
- Sleep deprivation — forced to drive fraternity members at all hours
This is not “tradition.” This is not “brotherhood.” This is abuse. This is assault. This is torture.
And it’s happening at universities near Lake County.
⚠️ The Lake County Hazing Crisis
Universities Near Lake County with Greek Life:
Lake County, Illinois is home to several colleges and universities where Greek life thrives. Major institutions in and around Lake County include:
- College of Lake County (Grayslake, IL)
- Lake Forest College (Lake Forest, IL)
- Northwestern University (Evanston, IL — just south of Lake County)
- DePaul University (Chicago, IL)
- University of Illinois Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Loyola University Chicago (Chicago, IL)
- Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL)
Each of these institutions hosts active Greek organizations — fraternities and sororities that operate under the same national organizations involved in hazing deaths and injuries nationwide.
National Fraternities Operating Near Lake County:
The same national fraternities that have paid millions in hazing settlements have chapters at universities near Lake County:
| Fraternity | Notable Hazing Cases | Lake County Presence |
|---|---|---|
| Pi Kappa Phi | Andrew Coffey (2017, death); Leonel Bermudez (2025, kidney failure) | Multiple Illinois chapters |
| Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) | Timothy Piazza (2017, death); multiple Illinois hazing incidents | Active at Northwestern, DePaul, UIC, others |
| Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike) | Stone Foltz (2021, death); $10.1M settlement | Multiple Illinois chapters |
| Beta Theta Pi | Timothy Piazza (2017, death); $110M+ settlement | Active at Northwestern, others |
| Phi Delta Theta | Maxwell Gruver (2017, death); $6.1M verdict | Multiple Illinois chapters |
| Sigma Chi | Multiple hazing lawsuits; recent UT Austin death case | Active at Northwestern, others |
Lake County families: These are the same organizations your children are joining. They have the same culture. They operate under the same national oversight that failed to prevent hazing deaths and injuries.
💔 The Human Cost in Lake County
Hazing doesn’t just happen in Texas or Pennsylvania. It happens in Lake County, Illinois. And the consequences are devastating:
- Physical injuries: Broken bones, burns, rhabdomyolysis (muscle breakdown), alcohol poisoning, traumatic brain injury
- Psychological trauma: PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, trust issues
- Academic disruption: Dropped classes, failed courses, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
- Financial burden: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
- Death: Every year, students die from hazing. It could happen in Lake County.
Lake County parents: You send your children to college expecting them to be safe. That trust is being betrayed.
🏛️ Who Is Responsible in Lake County?
When hazing happens in Lake County, multiple parties share responsibility:
| Responsible Party | Why They’re Liable in Lake County |
|---|---|
| Local Chapter | Directly organizes and conducts hazing |
| Chapter Officers | Leadership responsibility; direct participation |
| Individual Members | Participate in hazing; fail to stop abuse |
| National Organization | Knew or should have known about hazing culture; failed to supervise |
| University | Failed to protect students; failed to enforce anti-hazing policies |
| Housing Corporation | Owns/controls property where hazing occurs |
| Alumni | May host hazing events; enable culture |
Lake County families: These are the people and institutions we will hold accountable.
⚖️ Lake County Victims’ Legal Rights
Illinois Anti-Hazing Law
Illinois Compiled Statutes 720 ILCS 5/12C-50 — Hazing
Definition:
“Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act directed against a student for the purpose of being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization, whose membership is conditioned on attendance at an educational institution, that causes, or is intended to cause, bodily danger or physical harm, or serious psychological injury to any person.
Penalties:
- Class A Misdemeanor: Hazing that causes bodily harm — up to 1 year in jail, $2,500 fine
- Class 4 Felony: Hazing that causes death or great bodily harm — 1-3 years in prison
Consent is NOT a defense in Illinois.
Organizational liability: Organizations that condone or encourage hazing can be fined and lose recognition.
Civil Liability for Lake County Hazing Victims
Lake County victims can sue for:
- Negligence — Duty of care owed; breach; causation; damages
- Assault and Battery — Intentional harmful/offensive contact
- Intentional Infliction of Emotional Distress — Outrageous conduct causing severe distress
- Negligent Supervision — Nationals/university failed to monitor
- Premises Liability — Hazing occurred on unsafe property
- Violation of Civil Rights — Federal claims possible
Damages available:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Punitive damages (to punish egregious conduct)
- Attorney’s fees
💰 Lake County Victims Can Win Millions
Hazing cases across America have resulted in multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements:
| Case | Fraternity | Outcome | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stone Foltz (2021) | Pi Kappa Alpha | Settlement | $10.1 million |
| Maxwell Gruver (2017) | Phi Delta Theta | Jury Verdict | $6.1 million |
| Timothy Piazza (2017) | Beta Theta Pi | Settlement | $110+ million |
| Andrew Coffey (2017) | Pi Kappa Phi | Settlement | Confidential (substantial) |
Lake County families: These same results are possible for Lake County victims. The same legal strategies apply.
🚨 What Lake County Families Should Do NOW
If your child has been hazed in Lake County:
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked
- Rhabdomyolysis and other conditions may not show symptoms immediately
- Medical records create documentation trail
2. Preserve All Evidence
- DO NOT delete any messages, photos, or videos
- Save all texts, GroupMe chats, Snapchats, Instagram DMs
- Take photos of injuries at all stages of healing
- Document all hazing locations (fraternity houses, fields, etc.)
- Get names and contact information of witnesses
3. Do NOT Talk to the Organization
- Fraternities/sororities will try to control the narrative
- They will coordinate stories
- They will intimidate witnesses
- Do not give statements without legal counsel
4. Do NOT Post on Social Media
- Anything you post can be used against you
- Do not discuss the incident online
- Do not post photos that might show you “looking fine”
5. Contact Attorney 911 Immediately
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 — 24/7 for Lake County hazing emergencies
- Email: ralph@atty911.com
- Free consultation — we’ll evaluate your Lake County case
- We work on contingency — $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win
Lake County families: The clock is ticking. Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Act now.
🏆 How We Help Lake County Victims
1. Immediate Legal Protection
- Send preservation letters to all defendants
- Demand that evidence not be destroyed
- Protect your rights from the start
2. Comprehensive Investigation
- Gather all medical records
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain security camera footage
- Document the full extent of hazing
3. Aggressive Legal Strategy
- Identify all liable parties
- Build case against national organizations
- Pursue punitive damages for egregious conduct
4. Medical and Financial Support
- Connect you with specialists
- Document all medical expenses
- Calculate future medical needs
- Pursue lost wages and academic damages
5. Nationwide Representation for Lake County
- Federal court authority — we can pursue Lake County cases anywhere
- Dual-state bar licenses — Texas and New York
- Willingness to travel — we come to Lake County for depositions and trials
- Remote consultations — Lake County families can meet with us via video
6. Fighting for Systemic Change
- Work with Lake County legislators on hazing reform
- Push for stronger anti-hazing laws in Illinois
- Demand accountability from Lake County universities
- Support victims in speaking out
🎯 Lake County: We’re Fighting This Fight Right Now
We are currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi and the University of Houston. This isn’t theoretical — we’re in the fight RIGHT NOW.
Lake County families get the same aggressive representation.
Our Lake County Advantages:
| Advantage | Why It Matters for Lake County |
|---|---|
| 25+ Years of Litigation Experience | Proven track record in complex cases |
| Former Insurance Defense Attorneys | We know how defendants will fight back |
| Federal Court Authority | Can pursue Lake County cases in federal court |
| Dual-State Bar Licenses | Strategic advantage against national fraternities |
| Se Habla Español | Bilingual staff serving Lake County’s diverse community |
| Nationwide Hazing Expertise | Currently litigating $10M hazing case |
| Willingness to Travel to Lake County | We come to you for depositions and trials |
| Contingency Fee Representation | $0 upfront; we only get paid if you win |
📞 Lake County Hazing Victims — Call Now
If your child has been hazed in Lake County, Illinois, we can help.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Free consultation • Available 24/7 • $0 upfront • We come to Lake County
🛡️ Lake County: Protect Your Child’s Future
Hazing doesn’t just cause physical injuries. It leaves lasting scars:
- Medical: Chronic kidney issues, permanent organ damage
- Psychological: PTSD, anxiety, depression, trust issues
- Academic: Failed courses, lost scholarships, delayed graduation
- Professional: Damaged reputation, lost career opportunities
- Financial: Medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages
Lake County families: Your child deserves justice. Your child deserves compensation. Your child deserves to be safe.
We will fight for Lake County victims.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions for Lake County Families
Q: My child was hazed at a Lake County university. Can you help even though you’re in Texas?
A: YES. We represent hazing victims nationwide, including Lake County. Our federal court authority and dual-state bar licenses allow us to pursue cases anywhere in America. We offer video consultations for Lake County families and will travel to Lake County for depositions, trials, and client meetings.
Q: We can’t afford a lawyer. How much does it cost?
A: $0 upfront. We work on contingency — we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict, so Lake County families never pay out of pocket.
Q: The fraternity says my child “consented” to hazing. Is that a defense?
A: NO. Illinois law explicitly states that consent is NOT a defense to hazing. Even if your child agreed to participate, the organization is still liable. This is a legal principle we will use to protect Lake County victims.
Q: How much is our Lake County hazing case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but hazing cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts. Factors include:
- Severity of physical injuries
- Extent of psychological trauma
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Punitive damages (for egregious conduct)
- Institutional knowledge (did the university/fraternity know about prior hazing?)
Our current hazing case is seeking $10 million. Lake County cases can reach similar amounts.
Q: What if my child is afraid of retaliation?
A: We understand. Our Houston client is “fearful of doing an interview due to retribution.” We will protect your child’s identity and take legal action against anyone who retaliates. Retaliation is illegal and can result in additional legal claims.
Q: How long do we have to file a lawsuit in Lake County?
A: Illinois has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. The clock starts running from the date of injury. DO NOT WAIT. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and your legal rights expire.
Q: Can we sue the national fraternity organization?
A: YES. National organizations are often the deepest pockets and have the most responsibility. They set policies, provide oversight, and have insurance. We are currently suing Pi Kappa Phi National in our Houston case, and we will pursue Lake County national organizations with the same aggression.
Q: What if the hazing happened off-campus?
A: You can still sue. Hazing is illegal whether it happens on-campus, off-campus, at a fraternity house, or at an alumni’s home. We will identify all locations and hold all responsible parties accountable.
Q: Can we still sue if the university “suspended” the chapter?
A: YES. Suspending a chapter is damage control — it doesn’t undo the harm done to your child. In fact, it shows the university knew about the problem. We will use this as evidence in your Lake County case.
Q: What if my child was drinking during the hazing?
A: The organization is still responsible. If alcohol was provided or forced, that’s another layer of liability. Many hazing cases involve forced or coerced alcohol consumption. We will address this in your Lake County case.
📢 Lake County: The Time to Act is Now
Lake County parents: You have the power to protect your child and prevent this from happening to others.
Lake County students: You have the right to seek justice and hold those who hurt you accountable.
Lake County community: We have the responsibility to demand change.
Call Attorney 911 today. Let’s fight this together.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: attorney911.com
Serving Lake County, Illinois and nationwide • Free consultation • $0 upfront • Available 24/7
📜 Lake County: Demand Accountability
To Lake County universities:
The same negligence that allowed hazing at University of Houston exists at Lake County institutions. You know hazing happens. You have the power to stop it. Do your job.
To national fraternities operating near Lake County:
Your chapters are torturing students. You know about it. You do nothing. We will make you pay.
To Lake County parents:
Your children are being abused in the name of “tradition.” Enough is enough.
To Lake County students:
You deserve better. You deserve to be safe. You deserve justice. We will fight for you.
🔥 Lake County: This Ends Now
Hazing in Lake County stops when victims stand up. When parents demand justice. When institutions are held accountable.
We are Attorney 911. We are Ralph Manginello and Lupe Pena. And we are fighting for Lake County.
Your child could be next. Call us before it’s too late.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911
Lake County hazing victims: We are your legal emergency responders.
